Sandra Bailey Koehler passed away on May 23, 2024, in her home in Port Charlotte, Florida. Her daughters, Kristine Newman and Kimberly Newman Smith, along with Kimberly’s sons, Mason and Hunter Smith, were by her side. Sandra was brought home from the hospital under hospice care following complications caused by an acute infection.

Sandra was born to Jean Trumbull Bailey and Alaric Rosencrantz Bailey on June 7, 1942, in Bronxsville, NY. She spent her childhood in the Jamestown, NY area where she was an outgoing and active child; learning to play piano and singing along, becoming an accomplished horseback rider, and making many friends. She attended Emma Willard School and Wells College in NY. She married her first husband, Rexford Leroy Newman at the age of 19. They initially lived in Hawaii where their daughter, Kimberly, was born before Rex joined the Air Force, moving them to Oklahoma, where Kristine, was born. After serving, Rex became a pilot with American Airlines and the family settled in Madison, CT. The couple divorced in 1975. In 1979 Sandra married Arthur Koehler. They lived in Madison until their divorce in 2006. At that time, Sandra moved to Port Charlotte, FL, where she quickly made many close friends in her Riverwood community.

Sandra was known for her passion for animals, and dogs in particular. She couldn’t pass by a dog without a greeting, and over her lifetime raised several labradors before her most recent companion Kayley. An avid gardener, keen bird watcher, and lover of the outdoors, Sandra was a wonderful mother who was always supportive and gave love in abundance. She was a cherished friend and will be profoundly missed, but her kind and generous spirt will never be forgotten.

Sandra was predeceased by her parents and her oldest brother, John Bailey. She leaves behind John’s widow, Ann Nolan; her brothers Alaric Bailey, II and his wife Mary; Charles Bailey and his wife Sally; her daughters Kristine Newman and Kimberly Smith, grandsons Mason Smith and Hunter Smith, and bonus granddaughter, Amanda Smith, as well as many extended family members.

A gathering of family and local friends was held in Port Charlotte in May to celebrate Sandy. Her family appreciates all the love and support and invite everyone to share their favorite memories of Sandy on this memorial website.

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